Orbiter Spaceport

Here are some interesting videos that show NASA's big plans during the 1980s and early 1990s. The first big project was a large space station, called Space Station Freedom. This is one of the early configurations (the "dual-keel") shown as a miniature model. The footage manages to give some sense of scale of the completed station with the Shuttle docked. Another large project was crewed Moon and Mars missions. These 1990 animations show some nice early computer animations. The overall hardware design is not much different from present day proposals. As normal, the videos were assembled by joining sequences presented on diferent NASA documentaries. This allows to reconstruct the original resource reel and also to present a more complete view of the mission steps and hardware.

The Gemini B was the military version of the Gemini spacecraft, adapted for use on the MOL (Manned Orbiting Laboratory) program. The general cockpit layout was similar, but many instruments were changed. I'm doing a 3D model of the cockpit, and as part of that I need to recreate the dashboard layout. For the normal Gemini we have great detailed instrument layouts, but for Gemini B we must work based on photos. I've identified as much labels as possible. Some probably have errors, but still I think you get the idea of the general operation. The main difference from the stock Gemini is that gauges and switches are more protected perhaps from accidental touching. Also you have controls for the MOL laboratory on the right hand panel. Left panel Center panel Bottom panel Right panel I'm working mainly based on two reference photos: (http://www.nro.gov) (unknown origin)

Dragonfly ( Libellule ) shuttle from “Once Upon a Time… Space ( Il était une fois… l'Espace )” 3D model of this nice spacecraft design, straight out of the early 80's. For size reference I used images from the series. They are not completely consistent, so I derived scale from the lateral door visible in some episodes and from the large cockpit. This means that the spacecraft is about 110 meters in length. I changed the underside to depict a heat shield. It would be nonsense not to have it, since the craft is meant for atmospheric reentry and fight, even is a fantasy context.   Hummingbird from 4throckrn on Sketchfab .

Here's my Skylab B 3D model. It follows actual hardware references closely. Skylab B from 4throckrn on Sketchfab .

Although silent, I'm quite busy working the Skylab B series of add-ons! They depict the planned Skylab B international space station, a follow up to the historical US Skylab program. In reality the Skylab B hardware exists and is on museum display. It was identical to the flown Skylab, since it was its flight spare. For this add-on, an alternate reality is considered, based in several proposals by NASA made in the 1970's. The main changes are the lack of the Solar Observatory, the additional docking ports for Soviet spacecraft, and the alternate solar panel positions. This configuration would allow the station to accommodate extended docking or servicing by Apollo, Soyuz, Progress, Salyut and eventually the Space Shuttle. There's a basic “virtual cockpit” with the "Wardroom Window", that faces sideways from the station, so you will have to turn the viewing direction to look outside. Besides the initial Skylab B add-on ( http://ww...

Working :-)

Trying to learn Blender by modeling the early concept for the LEM. Work in progress, but will eventually make it's way into Orbiter Here's an interactive 3D preview:  

This add-on for Orbiter Space Flight Simulator will add a Virtual Cockpit to the ISS Zvezda module. Although complete, the mesh is a little basic on some parts, nevertheless I feel it's good enough for release. As such, I simply added it to an existing Zvezda add-on- the "Zvezda-J" add-on by jekka. There are 2 visible MFDs (on the TORU workstation) and a HUD display over the periscope. This 3D virtual cockpit model is more of a resource for developers than a complete add-on. Feel free to include it on your space-station add-ons and to improve upon it. Get it here:  http://www.orbithangar.com/searchid.php?ID=6083

Here are some illustrations for the Brazilian Space Program add-on documentation. They show the VLS-1 rocket configuration (labeled in English and Portuguese) and the launch profile with approximate times.

Some images of the final Launch Center model fully textured. Really happy with the results, specially with the vegetation, since my goal was to make a low polygon model for easy export to Orbiter simulator. General view of the two pads: left for sounding rockets, right for the VLS and VLM VLS-1 rocket on pad. The TMI (Mobile Integration Tower) is retracted to a safe distance. After a successful export, here's the Alcantara Launch Center in Orbiter, with the VLS ready to launch.  Alcantara Launch Center in Orbiter

I've finished modeling the VLS rocket. Here's what it looks like in SketchUp after texturing! After export, the model in Orbiter Space Simulator looks like this: Very consistent. I'm using the DX9 renderer, and I've yet to add normalmaps! As I'm happy with the way it looks already, here's an image sequence of a test launch. VLS lifts-off from Alcantara Ascending on first stage, after booster separation Ascending on first stage VLS rocket ascending on first stage. This configuration was the basis for the early VLM project. Second stage ignites. VLS rocket upper stages. Detail of the upper stage attitude control systems and fairing A small satellite is successfully released in orbit!